2001 Explorer ball joints.

[ExcelDominus]

Hello all. I just purchased a 2001 Explorer Sport as my new to me vehicle after selling my 1993 Ford F150. The EX has 140k miles on it. I checked all of the fluids and inspected it to the best of my knowledge. The engine sounds good, no issues idling, acceleration is good, transmission shifts smooth in 2wd and 4wd high and low. However I still took it in to have it examined for the things I didn't know how to check. The shop called back and said that it needs the ball joints replaced and quoted me a cost of $850. I feel like its on the high side after checking the prices for parts suppliers online and I am coming up about $400 shorter than their estimate. So I guess my question is, am I being taken for a ride?

~Scott

 

[ExcelDominus]

And I apologise I just realised that I posted in the wrong place...

 

[BradR]

Upper ball joints on these trucks can be a pain in the rear, but I do think that's kind of high.
If you can do it yourself I say go for it, If you do not have a lot of knowledge you can follow the how-tos on this forum and do it yourself!

We're all here to help.

And Welcome to the forum!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. Check MountaineerGreen's thread on ball joint replacement. You could do the job yourself for a lot less money.

 

[1998Explodasport]

Hello all. I just purchased a 2001 Explorer Sport as my new to me vehicle after selling my 1993 Ford F150. The EX has 140k miles on it. I checked all of the fluids and inspected it to the best of my knowledge. The engine sounds good, no issues idling, acceleration is good, transmission shifts smooth in 2wd and 4wd high and low. However I still took it in to have it examined for the things I didn't know how to check. The shop called back and said that it needs the ball joints replaced and quoted me a cost of $850. I feel like its on the high side after checking the prices for parts suppliers online and I am coming up about $400 shorter than their estimate. So I guess my question is, am I being taken for a ride?

~Scott

Did they say all ball joints were bad?

 

[techieman33]

If that's for replacing all 4 ball joints then that isn't totally out of the ball park.

 

[AccordRanger]

I just replaced my pass upper control arm today. Comes with a new upper ball joint. Took maybe an hour tops. Haven't done the lowers ever so not sure how hard that is, but I would say save the money, and you could do it yourself in an afternoon.

 

[ThePhoenix]

try a mobile mechanic if you can find one. I got whole job including parts for 325 I think

shops here are quoting 1100

 

[Radar2819]

My explorer needed all 4 ball joints,tie rod end (inner and outer) and sway bar links. I got all the parts with a year warrenty for 150 bucks searching the web. Did it all myself after reading MountaineerGreen's tread(very help full with lots of pics.) and it only took about 4 hours

 

[ExcelDominus]

I ordered the parts online at Advance's website(offered 20% off online purchase) and studied the MountianeerGreen's guide. I got started on it early this morning and realised I had two problems: I had no way of taking the axle nut off(don't have the tool), and most importantly 4 screws and nuts were too rusted for me to get off. So I took it to a local mechanic an hour ago who agreed to do the job plus and alignment for $400. I do thank you all for your help and will continue to use the website.